Facile Ru-catalysed synthesis of quinazolin-4(3)-ones by tandem cyclization of 2-nitrobenzonitrile and alcohol derivatives under air.

We have developed an efficient approach for the first Ru-catalysed synthesis of 2-arylquinazolin-4(3)-ones from 2-nitrobenzonitriles and alcohols. This method features a broad substrate scope, high yields, and functional group tolerance and does not require any oxidant or reductant, allowing for simple, practical and sustainable synthesis.

Expanding severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance beyond influenza: The process and data from 1 year of implementation in Vietnam.

Background: In 2016, as a component of the Global Health Security Agenda, the Vietnam Ministry of Health expanded its existing influenza sentinel surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) to include testing for 7 additional viral respiratory pathogens. This article describes the steps taken to implement expanded SARI surveillance in Vietnam and reports data from 1 year of expanded surveillance.

Methods: The process of expanding the suite of pathogens for routine testing by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) included laboratory trainings, procurement/distribution of reagents, and strengthening and aligning SARI surveillance epidemiology practices at sentinel sites and regional institutes (RI).